Pomp and Circumstance: Class of 2024

FEATURING GRADUATES FROM

HUMBOLDT

MARMATON VALLEY

CREST

POMP CIRCUMSTANCE AND CLASS OF

To the Class of 2024,

Editor’s note:

This magazine is the first of its kind for the Register. Never before have we compiled the photos of our local high school graduates; we’ve also never asked community members and superintendents to offer their insights and advice to them. The magazine you hold represents a truly collaborative effort, and we’re grateful to all those who played a part.

Thank you to Patti, Ryan, Katy, David and Brian, who wrote so beautifully. To April, for help with the photo. To our local superintendents, who lead our excellent public school districts. To our teachers — without you, none of this is possible. And to the families of these graduates, for loving them and guiding them across the finish line.

Congratulations, graduates. Best of luck on your new adventures!

Tim Stauffer

Managing Editor

ABOUT THE COVER:

First, let me start with how honored I am to have the opportunity to share some words with you as you set out into the world! Growing up in Iola was an amazing experience for me and my siblings, and I know the foundation that was built for me there has allowed me to have the confidence to take on all the challenges life has to offer.

I won’t pretend to have the answers for much of anything, but I was lucky enough to receive some good advice recently that really resonated with me. I wish I had received it sooner — so I am going to share it with you now, in hopes that it can serve as great guidance for you as you head out into the world.

The five lessons for living:

1. Life includes pain and adversity. Plain and simple, you are going to have adversity of all different kinds come into your life. You will suffer great losses. A lot of days won’t be easy, but nothing in life worth accomplishing is easy. Keep going. Through each loss and all the adversity, keep pushing forward. Right foot, left foot. It will all be worth it!

2. The future is uncertain. You just never know what tomorrow will hold. We cannot predict it, and that’s okay. Enjoy each moment, and while you are working for the future you want, you will never truly know when it will arrive. Don’t worry about comparing your path to others. Just focus on the

work, and you will eventually get to where you want to go.

3. Accomplishments of any kind require discipline. Consistent discipline is required to achieve any goal. You cannot be disciplined for a moment, or a day or a week or month, and expect results. You must consistently be disciplined to reach the outcome you want.

4. You are not special (you are not an exception to these things). Despite what our moms tell us, we are not special! Okay, okay — we are special in many ways, but this is meant to be a reminder that none of us is an exception to the lessons above. We will all experience pain and adversity. Each of our futures is uncertain. We all must be disciplined to achieve our goals.

5. This will never change. We are not going to wake up one day and all of a sudden stop experiencing adversity or have our future cemented. We will always need to have discipline to fulfill our dreams. Embrace it and enjoy it!

The world is quite literally yours! You have everything imaginable right at your fingertips. While you are celebrating this amazing feat of graduating (and it should absolutely be celebrated!) it is truly just the beginning.

Katy Lonergan

Assistant Athletics Director for Football Communications at the University of Notre Dame.

Member of the Iola High School Class of 1993

Front row, from left, Jenna Morrison, Abigail Meiwes, LilianaRose Blaufuss; second row, Rebekah Coltrane, Payton Scharff, Kayla Scott, Kalibre Smith; third row, Keira Fawson, Rio Lohman, Jaydon Morrison, and Landon Bauer. Each has been recognized as top of their high school’s graduating class.

COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF: April Kroenke

EDITOR:

Susan Lynn

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

GRAPHIC DESIGN: April Kroenke, USD 256, USD 257, USD 258, and USD 479

Kristi Kranker

CONTENT:

Patti Boyd, Ryan Diehl, Kim Ensminger, Stacey Fager, David Holloway, Katy Lonergan, Shane Walter, Amber Wheeler, and Brian Wolfe

MARKETING:

Violeta Rodriguez Stau er

ADVERTISING:

Paul Vernon and Tim Stau er

PUBLISHED BY:

Iola,

Iola high School USD 257 LETTER TO GRADUATES

To the Iola High School Class of 2024

Dear Graduates,

On behalf of the USD 257-lola Board of Education, I commend our seniors on their hard work and determination in achieving their goal of graduation with the Iola Class of 2024.

As you move forward in life, I hope you all enjoy great success in your future endeavors. As you surely have experienced already, this may not always be easy. In fact, anything worth achieving in life is normally obtained through personal struggles.

We trust the Iola school system has instilled the value of perseverance in the face of adversity, the importance of collaboration and teamwork, and the power of empathy and compassion in helping shape all our graduates as leaders of tomorrow. These common life lessons remind me of a quote from Winston Churchill who eloquently stated, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

As we celebrate this accomplishment of graduation and move past the familiar com-

forts of the Iola school system, let the values that have guided you to this point — integrity, determination, humility — sustain you as you move into adulthood. Our world desperately needs these qualities in decision-makers of the future.

In closing, I commend you not only for your academic achievements, but in the fine young adults you have become. I trust you will always remember fondly the instructors, administrators, and support staff who make up our lola school family that have invested in you over the years — always believing in the possibilities that now await you!

Congratulations, Iola Class of 2024 Graduates. Hats off to you all!

Stacey Fager

Superintendent

Superintendent: Stacey Fager

Principal: Scott Carson • Assistant Principal: Matt Baumwart

Logan Brakel Karyssa Bruner Korbin Cloud Dalton Coffield Aden Cole Rebekah Coltrane

Jeremy Adair Piper Aronson Emma Bain Anna Beckwith Kaycee Berry Daniel Boeken

Madisyn Cookson Shelby Daniels David Drago JJ Engelhardt Katelyn Erbert Jacquelyn Fager

Kolton Greathouse Thomas Hall Ashton Hesse Easton Hitchcock Christopher Holloway

Keira Fawson Brigham Folk Korbyn Fountain Keair French Kendall Glaze Addyson Goble

Benjamin Kerr Keaton Larney Mac Leonard Rio Lohman Kennedy Maier

Sydney Hutton

Andrew Miller Jaydon Morrison Jenna Morrison Lliam O’Neal Rylie Olson Faith Orr-Dryden

Leeann Maloney Isaac McCullough Madelyn McVey Abigail Meiwes Dominqe Mendoza Briggs Michael

Shelby Peters Cara Porter

Kaden Priddy Drayden Reiter Molly Riebel Charles Rogers II

Iola high School USD 257 GRADUATES

“In

Children/grandchildren of Gates employees:

Camrie Ranabargar......Chanute High School

Koby Erie..........................Fort Scott High School

Zoey Beasley..................Humboldt High Virtual

Garren Goodner.............Humboldt High School

Jordan LaCrone.............Humboldt High School

Winston Jordan.............Iola Elementary School

Romuluas Reusch.........Iola Elementary School

Kennedy Maier..............Iola High School

Luis Sanchez...................Iola High School

Kalibre Smith.................Iola High School

Catherine Moore...........Jayhawk Elementary School

Kolton Misener..............Labette Community College

Gage Nickel.....................Le Roy High School

Mason Eyler....................Liberal High School (Missouri)

Thomas Allee.................Marmaton Valley Jr. High

Sawyer Ferguson..........West Elk High School

Dylan Misener................Wichita State University

Hannah Hershberger...Yates Center High School

Bailey Luellen.................University of Kansas

Hallie Sutherland William Talkington JesseJames Throckmorton Zaine Trester Jackson Ulrich Damian Wacker

Casey Rowe Luis Sanchez

Xander Sellman Gage Skahan Kalibre Smith Samuel Sturgeon

Jillian Ward Landon Weide Nevaeh White

POMP CIRCUMSTANCE AND CLASS OF

Congratulations, Graduates!

I can never say no to The Register, so when Tim Stauffer asked me to offer some advice to graduates of our local high schools, I said I’d be happy to do it. Then I wondered, what can I share that will be helpful and valuable?

I have my own ideas as a lawyer, judge, mom and former coach. Like you, I am a graduate of a small-town high school (Ainsworth, Neb.,1984. Go Bulldogs!).

I also consulted some experts. I am lucky to be married to a teacher (Mr. Boyd, to all you former Iola 8th-graders). Our daughters Emily and Clara graduated from Marmaton Valley (and KU — Rock Chalk!) in the last decade.

One thing we all four agree on is that your small-town education can be a huge asset. You most likely had the chance to try and even excel in lots of activities. You learned to get things done, to lead, to be responsible, accountable and humble. You learned to be part of a team alongside pretty much the

same kids year after year. Your community followed and supported you.

Of course, we have more thoughts. Here are our 10 suggestions for the small school graduate:

1. Further your education at a four-year college, technical school, community college, or in the military. Your high school education is only the beginning. Think big.

2. Be open to changing your career goals as you experience more of the world and get to know your adult self.

3. Your well-roundedness as a graduate of a small school makes you distinctive and separates you from others. Capitalize on your experience.

4. Prioritize your health. Things that came easily for you in your busy high school life might require more effort as you adjust to the freedoms of adulthood. Make a plan to manage your exercise level and your weight.

Learn how to cook. How will you handle alcohol, nicotine and drugs that you may encounter? What about your mental health? ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT!

5. Keep social media use and gaming in check. Live in the moment and not on your device. Read actual books. Read to learn. Read for fun.

6. Stay in touch with your small town and country kid passions — art, music, hunting, dance, caring for animals, playing sports, sewing, reading. It is easy to let those things slip away as your adult life fills with school or work. Often they are the very things that keep you balanced.

7. Be kind.

8. Be a part of something bigger than you. Church, time in nature, volunteering, creating, helping neighbors. Get in the habit right now of doing things that nourish and sustain you.

9. Did we mention, READ?

10. Remember where you come from and be proud of it.

Finally, do good things. You are wellequipped. We know you will make the local folks proud. And remember, if the spirit moves you, you are always welcome to come back home. Please do. We need you.

Patti Miklos-Boyd

Patti Miklos-Boyd is a local municipal court judge. She graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law and practiced in corporate law in Kansas City, as well as in criminal prosecution, public defense, and juvenile law in southeast Kansas. Boyd resides on the family farm in Allen County.

HUMBOLDT high School USD 258 LETTER TO GRADUATES

To the Humboldt High School Class of 2024

Dear Graduating Class of 2024,

Congratulations seems like such a small word for such a momentous occasion. This moment marks not only the end of one chapter but the beginning of countless opportuni-

ties awaiting you in the world beyond these walls. Graduation is a great symbolizer of crossing from the path of the past to the field of open opportunities ahead of you.

Throughout your time here, you have shown remarkable dedication, resilience, and perseverance in the face of challenges. From late-night study sessions or meeting classroom deadlines to extracurricular challenges and triumphs, you have demonstrated your commitment to excellence in all that you do. As you prepare to set out on the next phase of your life, I encourage you to carry with you the lessons you have learned and the memories you have made during your time here. Cherish the friendships you have forged, the knowledge you have gained, and the experiences that have shaped you into the remarkable individuals you are today. While we hope the lessons you have learned in high school have helped lay the initial steps on your future path, we know you will continue to grow and build that path as you move forward.

As you step off the stage this May as a “graduated” senior, you don’t cease to be a part of Cubs Nation. The great thing about

educators is that you never cease to be one of “ours.” We believe in you, we are proud of you, and we cannot wait to see the incredible things you will accomplish in the years to come.

The community of Humboldt was once described to me as a “Yes, and how?” community. As you embark on your next steps into the future and your dreams and opportunities knock on your door, I hope you adopt the “Yes, and how?” commitment as well. I hope you actively look for ways to make the dreams you have now a reality, but I also hope you can dream new things along the way.

So we say the small word of “Congratulations” to the Class of 2024, but our hearts will be filled with so much more as we watch you walk across that stage on a day that celebrates you! May your future be bright, your dreams be bold, and your journey be filled with everything you hope to come true!

Dr. Amber Wheeler

Superintendent of Schools USD 258Humboldt

Rylan Covey Evan Dye Drayk Farrill Nastassya Goforth Garren Goodner Caleb Gunderman

Kaleb Albin

B’Hymer Landon Bauer Alexus Black

Stella Connon-Smith Helaina Chryssikos

Zachary

Jones

Patrick Reeder Robert Robinson Kayla Scott Nathan Swogar Kinley Tucker Alejandro Vargas-Garcia

Kendall Kaufman Seth Koch Bradley Lowry Mateo Miller Danica Modlin Bridgett Neeley

Caden Vink Brydon Westbrook Nathan Westendorf Elizabeth White Jordan White

Dear 2024 Graduates,

You are in for an exciting future. Whether it is going to college, taking a gap year, or entering the workforce, the key thing about this next step is to make the journey your own.

Avoid sleepwalking through life and instead seize opportunities when they arise. The story of one of my great friends is a reminder of this. She was working in the ticket booth at a prominent museum when she overheard the founder and director speaking of the need for a new position. Her hand immediately shot up, and out of her lips came the words, “I can do it.”

That split-second decision to put herself out there led to over two decades of life-changing experiences, travels, and opportunities where she met fascinating people that most would only dream to encounter and visited places most of us will never have access to see. What she loved most though was this allowed her to continue learning. Be like her and let your learning never end as you forge your own path forward.

Along that path remember the importance of connections. Whether it be in college or the community, get involved. Organizations and civic groups need you and your voice. Partnering with others can lead not only to great memories and friendships but also to the change society needs. While you are at it, remember to vote, especially in local

elections where a single vote can decide a race and the trajectory of a community.

I would also love to say put your phone away, but in the age of

Ryan Diehl is the Honors Program Coordinator and a professor of English and Political Science at Hutchinson Community College.

multifactor authentication and such, that is very hard to do for long. Instead, remember your phone is a tool to be used rather than something that uses you to make money for others through every click and video played. The best way to use your phone is to stay in touch with your loved ones. Trust me when I tell you never to put off that phone call. Life can change just like that, and what should have been a twoway conversation becomes listening to the same recorded greeting just to hear a certain person’s voice again.

On that note, I wish I could tell you your path forward will always be as clear and beautiful as a Sunflower State sunrise, but unfortunately hardships are bound to occur. This is where your being a Kansan comes into play. While some may only think of Kansas as a land filled with tornadoes and dogs named Toto, this spot of the Frontier Strip, especially Allen County, is where the American Dream is still a possibility. Prize-winning journalists, a lieutenant governor, a Rhodes Scholar, and so many others are examples of this. Difficulties are sure to come your way; that’s part of life, but remember the Kansas spirit is in your blood. Always hold onto that as you continue your journey towards the stars.

Sincerely,

Ryan Hunter Diehl

Member of the Iola High School Class of 2000

Marmaton Valley high School USD 256 LETTER TO GRADUATES

To

the Marmaton Valley High School Class of 2024

Dear Graduating Class of 2024,

Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone! Your graduation marks years of hard work, dedication, and personal growth, and I am so proud of each and every one of you. You have excelled in academics, athletics, the arts, and technical training, showcasing your unique talents. More importantly, you have grown into outstanding individuals who embody the character we value and emphasize at Marmaton Valley. I have full confidence that each of you will achieve remarkable things. The world is full of opportunities for you to seize. Embrace these opportunities and never stop dreaming big.

Before you step into your next chapter in life, take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey that has led you here. Each of you has faced unique challenges, overcome obstacles, and have exceeded expectations. Despite being small in number, your class has consistently surpassed expectations in various class activities and fundraising initiatives. You were able to accomplish this because you are a close-knit group that truly cares about each other.

Remember the wisdom of C.S. Lewis: “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” Just as graduation is not the end but the beginning of a new adventure, this quote reminds us that every great journey starts with a small, courageous step. Whether you choose to pursue post-secondary education, embark on a career, or explore other opportunities, always remember that you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed. Continue to take these small steps as you have done at Marmaton Valley.

Congratulations to Brooklyn, Lesleigh, Jaiden, Daniel, Janae, Elizabeth, Kody, Ellie, Payton, Chase, and Zoe! May your futures be bright, and may you continue to approach life with the determination that brought you to the completion of your public education. Ellie, as you return to Italy, my hope is that Marmaton Valley will forever hold a special place in your heart!

Best wishes for all your future endeavors!

Kim Ensminger

Superintendent of Schools USD 256Marmaton Valley

“You

Kody McVey Eleonora Melani Payton Scharff Chase Smith Zoe Sneed

Brooklyn Adams LesLeigh Cary Jaiden Emmons Daniel Fewins Janae Granere Elizabeth Lewis

Dear graduates,

Hello Class of 2024! What an exciting time. It is a big step that you take when you graduate from high school. You have learned basic information. Maybe how to study, how to take notes, how to make friends, if you’re lucky. That preparation will help you in the next phase of your life, whatever you decide to do.

I graduated myself, 64 years ago, knowing that I would be attending the KU Music School. Luckily, I even knew a number of my future KU classmates. Still, leaving Iola and my family and friends was major. You’ll have to step away from what you know in order to discover all the things and places and people you don’t!

At KU, in the fall of 1960 I tried out for a musical, and they gave me a role with two lines in the first five minutes of the show, “Tony Esposito, a letter for you!” Then I sang in the chorus for the rest of the show.

From then on, I knew theater and music would be my life. Mind you, with rehearsals and performances and celebrations, I had a hard time keeping up in my classes. Fortunately, I was desperate enough to ask for help. I got through freshman year, all four years, and ultimately earned a master’s in Voice. Getting overwhelmed is part of taking on new endeavors. Remember that there are always resources out there and don’t be afraid — or too proud — to ask for support.

I thrived in the KU Music School, and my teachers there first opened the opportunities that allowed me to develop my career as an opera singer.

A number of people in Iola helped me get started: Marjorie Gard, Lucille Wagner, Florence Hobart, Charles Kellogg, Dale Creitz and the Iola Music Club. 2024 graduates, you, too, will have those people who teach you, who believe in you. Acknowledge those who have given you a start and then work to develop yourself to the best of your ability.

Fishing from a railroad bridge over Elm Creek in June 1960 after high school graduation, I removed my class ring to dig into the worm bucket and accidentally knocked my ring into the creek. Oops! Next was a hard conversation with my dad. But I caught a couple of fine crappie. I rode horses when I was young and now, at 81, I ride my bicycle and I walk a lot. I am grateful that I grew up in Gas City and Iola and that I forged my way into a wider world. I know joy and I know gratitude. You, too, will have many challenges. I can only wish you all the same!

Sincerely,

David Holloway

Director emeritus of the Apprentice Singers Program at the Santa Fe Opera

Member of the Iola High School Class of 1960

CREST high School USD 479 LETTER TO GRADUATES

To the Crest High School Class of 2024

Dear Graduates,

On behalf of the Board of Education, students, and staff of Crest, congratulations on

this accomplishment and good luck in all your future endeavors. It has been an honor to work with you. The best thing about this district is the kids, and your class is no exception. I have come to value the way you look out for one another, your grit, integrity, and personality. You have had a way of always leaving a positive mark. You should take pride in that, and you should know that you will be missed! I challenge you to stay tight with your classmates as you enter this next chapter of your life. Be different in regards to maintaining this tight connection in whatever you do. The best part of coming from a small school and community is the relationships, so maintain these relationships and keep them strong.

In elementary school, you were encouraged to “Do what is right, do your best, and treat others as you want to be treated!” As high schoolers you were tasked with Leadership, Accountability, a Never Give Up attitude, to show Compassion, Enthusiasm, Respect, and to always Strive for Success. You are all equipped with what you need to be successful if you are willing to work for it. You should be proud of your many accomplishments.

From earning numerous prestigious academic scholarships, to league titles, or earning trips to state and even national competitions, as a class you have done it all. We are proud of you, and we believe in what you represent as a finished Crest product.

As you enter post-secondary education or the workforce, remember that Crest is home! Be proud of where you came from and realize that YOUR school is only a phone call away if you ever need help. Your family at home and your school family have worked very hard to prepare you for the path. You know that the path has not been altered for your benefit, but you are prepared! In all things, show up and do the work; you will be glad that you did!

Remember: Once a Lancer, always a Lancer!

Best Wishes, Shane

“Take

~ Amy Poehler

Brenton Edgerton Ryan Golden Brayden Goodell Kayla Hermreck Brody Hobbs Brittany Inman

Kaylee Allen LilianaRose Blaufuss Christopher Braciszewski Andie Burnett Jaci Coberley Mia Coleman

Brooklynn Jones Logan Kistner Nevaeh Meats Zander Robb Gerardo Rodriguez Brock Weatherman

POMP CIRCUMSTANCE AND CLASS OF

Dear graduates,

What would I choose, being smart or wise? I would choose wise.

Wisdom usually takes life experiences and time. You can learn lots about science or business or the trades, but not be wise.

Toward this path I encourage others to explore ideas daily in areas that are not your primary focus by reading quality sources of information. This is usually not social media. Learning from history is invaluable as well. Probably more important is being around wise people who are caring and sharing.

The realization “there is that of God in every man” is a radical idea. If we truly believe this, it means we should treat all those who are different from us, think differently than us, may even mistreat others, as children of God. This is what makes life sacred. This is where “love your enemy” or “pray for those who persecute you” comes to mind.

Everyone at every age has issues with self-esteem. Will I be liked? Am I smart enough? How is my appearance judged? When we are around people who seem to have their act together realize they have the same questions. Sharing these insecurities with friends and family and others who care can be very helpful. Remember, they go through the same things you are going through.

Fear of failure keeps us from trying things that could be very excit-

Dr. Brian Wolfe has practiced medicine in Iola since 1982.

ing and life changing. In science, we do experiments and have lots of failures that we learn from. This may keep us from taking a class or new job or starting a relationship. All successful people have had failures

POMP CIRCUMSTANCE AND CLASS OF

they learn from. My failures have made me humbler and on occasion have allowed me to share with others who are struggling. We realize that we move on and hopefully learn from our mistakes.

“Self-care is not selfish.” My sons shared this quote with me years ago and I repeat it often. To live well, and live long, we need to follow the guidance of those who are studying this. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep and using your brain.

No matter your age, make sure you keep challenging your brain to keep it sharp. Learn a new language, keep working as long as you can. And keep engaged. Create and maintain relationships with family, friends and through organizations such as churches, clubs, and groups. We are social animals.

Honesty and integrity are essential to living well. I can teach a person a job skill but am not sure how to teach somebody to be honest. In medicine, as with any job, integrity is crucial. The same goes for our relationships as well as with ourselves. It is said that wise and intelligent people are those who can change their minds. This can be difficult if it requires us to make significant changes in our lives.

Life is a gift, not something we created. We are stewards of our lives, our possessions, and our world. We need to treat them accordingly.

Dr. Brian Wolfe

BODY

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

—Benjamin Franklin

We’re more than just a bank. We’re a part of this community. From helping kids learn how to save money to assisting local businesses expand and flourish, we aim to assist all our customers where they are in their financial journey with excellent service and the products they need. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a business owner, a parent, a college student, a teen opening their first bank account, a pet owner, or a farmer, you can bank with us.